If you're 35 and still programming you should be begging for someone to shoot you! Just kidding. I'm 68 and still slinging code professionally. I've professionally programmed in C, C++ (including MFC and Borland OWL), Perl, Java, FORTRAN, Ada, LISP, and assembly on several computers. My first computer program was written in octal on a Control Data 1604 in 1964. If you're creative and like to work on new stuff, there is no better career. However, you have to keep your senses sharp to see the next big thing and prepare yourself to take advantage of it. If you want to stay technical, it is hard to advance without an advanced degree. Just learning the next new language is insufficient. You need the ability to design an entire system that meets customer needs (not just requirements).